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Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Overview

What is the R.C.I.A.?

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Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Overview

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  1. What is the R.C.I.A.? The RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is a process whereby those interested in learning about the Catholic faith come together on a weekly basis to learn about the scriptures and the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, and at the same time, to discover where God is present in their lives. The process is designed for those adults who are: Unbaptised Baptised in another tradition Baptised Catholic, but with no further religious training or sacraments Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Overview

  2. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Overview The First Period:The Period of Evangelisation and Precatechumenate [36 - 40] Also known as the Period of Inquiry, it is a time for: Asking questions about the Catholic faith Building community within the group Developing a trusting atmosphere More importantly, it is a time for: Examining God's presence in our lives, past and present Learning about prayer Fostering conversion Developing or improving our relationship with God Getting to know His Church At this stage baptised and unbaptised alike are known as Inquirers.

  3. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Overview The First Period: The Period of Evangelisation and Precatechumenate, cont... At this point the group will discuss topics such as: A Tour Around the Church Catholic Practices and Rituals Catholics and the Mass Catholics and Mary Catholics and the Pope Catholics and Prayer Catholics and Confession / Reconciliation An Introduction to the Bible For those who are unbaptised,this period concludes with the rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens. For those who are baptised it concludes with the Rite of Welcoming the Candidates.

  4. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Overview The First Step: Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens [41 - 47] Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens is the first rite of the RCIA process for those who are unbaptised. It takes place within the context of a Sunday Mass. Those wishing to enter into the second period of the RCIA (the Catechumenate or Study Period) make a public commitment to accept the way of the cross. The worshipping community, the members of the parish family, publicly welcome the unbaptised Inquirers and promise to support to them in their ongoing journey of faith. At the beginning of this rite the Inquirers are referred to as Candidates. By the end of the Rite they are referred to as Catechumens. They retain this title up to the Rite of Election at the local Diocesan Cathedral.

  5. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Overview • The First Step: • Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens, cont... The outline of this Rite is as follows [48 - 68]: Receiving the Candidates • Greeting • Open Dialogue • Candidates First Acceptance of the Gospel • Affirmation by the Sponsors and the Assembly • Signing of the Candidates with the Cross: • Signing of the Forehead • [Signing of the Other Senses] – optional • Concluding Prayer • Invitation to the Celebration of the Word of God Liturgy of the Word Instruction Readings Homily [Presentation of a Bible] - optional Intercessions for the Catechumens Prayer over the Catechumens Dismissal of the Catechumens (Scripture Breaking)

  6. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Overview The First Step (a): The Rite Welcoming the Candidates [411 - 415] The Rite of Welcoming the Candidatesis the first rite of the RCIA process for those who are baptised. As with the rite of Acceptance into the Order of the Catechumens, this rite takes place within the context of a Sunday Mass. The baptised Inquirers are now referred to as Candidates, and are know by this title for the rest of the RCIA process. The Candidates make a public commitment to accept the way of the cross. The worshipping community, the members of the parish family, publicly welcome the Candidates and promise to support to them in their ongoing journey of faith.

  7. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Overview The First Step (a): The Rite of Welcoming the Candidates, cont... The outline of this Rite is as follows [416 - 433]: Receiving the Candidates Greeting Opening Dialogue Candidates' Declaration of Intent Affirmation by the Sponsors and the Assembly Signing of the Candidates with the Cross: Signing of the Forehead [Signing of the Other Senses] - optional Concluding Prayer • Liturgy of the Word • Instruction • Readings • Homily • [Presentation of a Bible] - optional • Profession of Faith • General Intercessions • Prayer over the Candidates • Liturgy of the Eucharist • It is typical for Candidates to be dismissed with Catechumens for Scripture breaking

  8. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Overview The Second Period:The Period of the Catechumenate [75 - 80] A Catechumen (from Latin catechumenus, Greek κατηχουμενος , instructed) is one receiving instruction in the principles of the Christian religion with a view to baptism. It is for this reason that those who are already validly baptised in another Christian Faith are not known as Catechumens, but rather Candidates. [75] The Catechumenate is an extended period during which the candidates are given suitable pastoral formation and guidance, aimed at training them in the Christian life.

  9. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Overview The Second Period:The Period of the Catechumenate, cont... This is achieved in four ways: Suitable catechesis; solidly supported by celebrations of the Word The Catechumens learning to: Turn more readily to God in prayer To bear witness to the Faith In all things to keep their hopes set on Christ To follow supernatural inspiration in their deeds To practice the love of neighbour, even at the cost of self-renunciation Suitable liturgical rites, which purify the Catechumens little by little and strengthen them with God’s blessing; including celebrations of the Word Learning to work actively with others to spread the Gospel

  10. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Overview The Second Period:The Period of the Catechumenate, cont... The Period of the Catechumenate is a time for: "Breaking Open the Word" - reading and discussing the Sunday Gospel Continuing to build community within the group Getting more involved in parish activities, getting to know the parish community Learning about the basic teachings and beliefs of the Catholic Church More importantly, it is a time for: Continuing to examine God's presence in our lives, past and present Developing prayer life, entering into the communal worship of the parish Fostering conversion Developing or improving our relationship with God

  11. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Overview The Second Period:The Period of the Catechumenate, cont... Topics covered during this period include: Catholics and God Catholics and Jesus Catholics and the Holy Spirit Catholics and Sin Catholics and Redemption Catholics and Religion

  12. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Overview The Second Period:The Period of the Catechumenate, cont... Various rites pertain to this period of instruction for those who are unbaptised [Cathechumens]: Celebrations of the Word of God [81 - 89] Minor Exorcisms [90 - 94] Blessings of the Catechumens [95 - 97] Anointing of the Catechumens [98 - 103] Presentations {Optional} [104 - 105] Sending of the Catechumens for Election {Optional} [106 - 117]

  13. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Overview The Second Period:The Period of the Catechumenate, cont... There is also a combined optional Rite if there are both Catechumens and Candidates in a Parish: Parish Celebration for Sending Catechumens for Election and Candidates for Recognition by the Bishop [530 – 546] The conclusion of this period leads onto the Second Step, namely the Election or Enrolment of Names for the Catechumens and the Rite of Calling the Candidates to Continuing Conversion for the Candidates.

  14. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Overview The Second Step: Election or Enrolment of Names {Catechumens} [118 – 128] and The Rite of Calling the Candidates to Continuing Conversion {Candidates} [446 - 449] TheElection or Enrolment of Namesand theRite of Calling the Candidates to Continuing Conversion are celebrations that are usually held at the Diocesan Cathedral on a particular date, presided over by the local Bishop. Those wishing to be baptised or received into full communion with the Catholic Church come together, often on the same day. Their names are publicly declared to all present. This signifies their intention to be initiated at the Easter Vigil. The Bishop joyfully welcomes those to be baptised as children of God, as well as those who have already been baptised but seek full communion with the Catholic Church. The Catechumens are now referred to as The Elect.

  15. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Overview The Second Step: Election or Enrolment of Names [118 – 128] The outline of this rite is as follows [129 - 137]: Liturgy of the Word Homily Presentation of the Catechumens Affirmation by the Godparents [and the Assembly] Invitation and Enrolment of Names Act of Admission or Election Intercessions for the Elect Prayer over the Elect Dismissal of the Elect Liturgy of the Eucharist

  16. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Overview The Second Step (a): The Rite of Calling the Candidates to Continuing Conversion [446 - 449] The outline of this rite is as follows [450 - 458]: Liturgy of the Word: Homily Presentation of the Candidates for Confirmation and Eucharist Affirmation by the Sponsors [and the Assembly] Act of Recognition General Intercessions Prayer over the Candidates [Dismissal of the Asembly] Liturgy of the Eucharist The Elect and the Candidates now move onto the Period of Purification and Enlightenment

  17. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Overview The Third Period:The Period of Purification and Enlightenment [138 – 149] The Period of Purification and Enlightenment is a time for: Repentance Examining areas of sinfulness and weakness in our lives Asking for God's help in healing these areas Prayer, fasting and almsgiving Preparation for receiving the Sacraments of Initiation This period tends to correspond with Lent and is intended to be a period of increased introspection and coming closer to God. The aim of this period is to eliminate what is weak and sinful; and affirm what is holy. During this period the Catechumens undertake a number of rites, including the three Scrutinies [150 – 156, 164 - 170, 171 – 177] and two Presentations [157 – 163, 178 – 184]. The Candidates meanwhile prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliationwith an optional Penitential Rite Scrutiny [459 – 472].

  18. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Overview The Third Period:The Period of Purification and Enlightenment, cont... The Scrutinies and Presentations The Scrutinies [150 – 156, 164 - 170, 171 – 177] and Presentations [157 – 163, 178 – 184] are mainly designed for The Elect. The Scrutinies take place at three separate Masses on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Sundays in Lent. The Presentation of the Creed[157 – 163], takes place during a weekday Mass sometime during the 3rd week of Lent and the Presentation of the Our Father [178 – 184] takes place during a weekday Mass sometime during the 5th week of Lent. The optional Penitential Rite Scrutiny [459 – 472] for the Candidates takes place on the 2nd Sunday of Lent.

  19. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Overview The Third Period:The Period of Purification and Enlightenment, cont... Preparation Rites on Holy Saturday These are optional rites which can be undertaken by The Elect on Holy Saturday: Recitation of the Creed[193 - 196] Ephphetha (rite of opening the ears and the mouth[197 - 199] [Choosing a Baptismal Name] [200 - 202] Concluding Rites[203 - 205] .

  20. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Overview The Third Period:The Period of Purification and Enlightenment, cont... The Penitential Rite and the Sacrament of Reconciliation The Candidates participate in the Penitential Rite (Scrutiny)[459 – 472] during a Mass on the 2nd Sunday in Lent. They also undertake the Sacrament of Reconciliation as part of their preparation towards the celebration of The Rite of Reception of Baptised Christians into the full Communion of the Catholic Church. This Scrutiny, and reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation [for the Candidates] marks the movement from sin to grace, from old life to new life.

  21. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Overview The Third Period:The Period of Purification and Enlightenment The Lenten Gospels from Year Aare often explored during this period: The Temptation of Jesus in the Desert (Matthew 4:1-11) The Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-9) The Woman at the Well (John 4:4 -42) The Man Born Blind (John 9:1-41) The Raising of Lazarus (John 11:1-45)

  22. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Overview The Third Step: The Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation {The Elect} [206 – 217] and The Rite of Reception of Baptized Christians into the full Communion of the Catholic Church {The Candidates} [473 – 486] On the night of the Easter Vigil – the night we celebrate new life through death – the celebration of three sacraments takes place - the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist (Holy Communion), and Confirmation. The Elect celebrate all of these via the Rite of Intitation while the Candidates (having already been Baptised) celebrate the Eucharist and Confirmation via the Rite of Reception of Baptized Christians into the full Communion of the Catholic Church. In ceremonies that can be traced back to the year 200 A.D., the whole parish community renews its own baptismal commitment as it welcomes new members into its midst. It is the culmination to the journey of conversion, but certainly not the end of that journey. The Elect are now called Neophytes, and are considered to be full members of the Catholic Church. Our new members of the Church community now move onto the Period of Mystagogia.

  23. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Overview The Third Step: The Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation [206 – 217] The outline of this rite is as follows [218 – 243]: Service of Light Liturgy of the Word Celebration of Baptism: Presentation of the Candidates Invitation to Prayer Litany of the Saints Prayer of the Water Profession of Faith Renunciation of Sin Profession of Faith Baptism Explanatory Rites [Anointing after Baptism] [Clothing with a Baptismal Garment] Presentation of a Lighted Candle Celebration of Confirmation: Invitation Laying on of Hands Anointing with Chrism Renewal of Baptismal Promises (at the Easter Vigil): Invitation Renewal of Baptismal Promises Renunciation of Sin Profession of Faith Sprinkling with Baptismal Water Liturgy of the Eucharist

  24. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Overview The Third Step (a): The Rite of Reception of Baptized Christians into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church (within Holy Mass) [487 – 486] The outline of this rite is as follows [487 – 498]: Liturgy of the Word Readings Homily Celebration of Reception Invitation Profession of Faith Act of Reception [Confirmation] Laying on of Hands Anointing with Chrism Celebrant’s Sign of Welcome General Intercessions Sign of Peace Liturgy of the Eucharist

  25. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Overview The Third Step (b): The (Combined) Celebration at the Easter Vigil of the Sacraments of Initiation and of the Rite of Reception into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church [562 – 565] The outline of this rite is as follows [566 - 594: Service of Light Liturgy of the Word Celebration of Baptism: Presentation of the Candidates Invitation to Prayer Litany of the Saints Prayer of the Water Profession of Faith Renunciation of Sin Profession of Faith Baptism Explanatory Rites [Anointing after Baptism] [Clothing with a Baptismal Garment] Presentation of a Lighted Candle Renewal of Baptismal Promises: Invitation Renewal of Baptismal Promises Renunciation of Sin Profession of Faith Sprinkling with Baptismal Water Celebration of Reception: Invitation Profession by the Candidates Act of reception Celebration of Confirmation: Invitation Laying on of Hands Anointing with Chrism Liturgy of the Eucharist

  26. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Overview The Fourth Period:The Period of Mystagogia [244 – 251] The Period of Mystagogia is also know as the Period of Postbaptismal Catechesis. It is a time for: Living a sacramental life Living out the gospel way of life Becoming more involved in the parish Topics often discussed at this stage are: Evangelization Stewardship Lay Ministry

  27. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Overview Conclusion The end of the Period of Mystagogia marks the end of the formal instruction for new members of the Church community. This milestone is often marked by Holy Mass for New Catholics at the local Diocesan Cathedral. With the foundation laid, and the tools provided, now begins a new life, a lifelong period of discovery and renewal.

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